Monday, 28 July 2014

Unknown Causes.

Unknown Causes is
a collection of eighteen stories by Frank Duffy and is published by Gallows Press. The
book was my introduction to Frank’s writing and, having now read these tales of
subtle and understated horror I can honestly say that I’m glad that
introduction was made as what’s contained between its covers is some of the
most unsettling fiction I’ve had the pleasure – if that’s the right word – of
reading in quite some time.

Many of the stories herein are vignettes, short glimpses
into bigger narratives and it’s a device that works splendidly, raising
questions in the reader’s mind (most frequently – it has to be said - “what the hell is going on here?”), questions
that aren’t always answered – at least not directly. The prose is beautiful,
poetic even, but these stories make demands of the reader, the brain definitely
needs to be fully engaged to get the most from them. Those looking for
resolution, for clear explanations of the strange events which unfold will be
disappointed.

This is a good thing.

I always feel it’s slightly lazy to compare writers with one
another, something that carries with it the risk that you somehow suggest an
element of unoriginality but I think the stories within Unknown Causes do bear favourable comparison with the writing of
Ramsey Campbell with their suggestions of something intangible, but not quite
right lurking just out of sight and also, befittingly given that this year is the centenary of his birth, Robert Aickman whose trademark Weird Unexplained Shit (I forget which learned journal I lifted that reference from) is lovingly recreated here. Reality is altered within these tales and
ambiguity abounds leading to a sense of dislocation, an uneasiness in the
reader. These stories will disturb you.

As befitting such a haunting collection, ghosts and spirits
glide in and out of its pages - malevolent and
benevolent, sometimes making reparation, sometimes making demands. A creeping
sense of paranoia infiltrates many of the stories, horrors both internal and
external are explored. Revenge is a recurring theme as is that of familial
relationships. Many of the characters populating the stories are lost – and not just in the literal sense of
the word. A couple of stories are more traditional fare with twists in the tail
and feel almost like light relief from the darkness that surrounds them. Not that light though…

Unknown Causes will
take you to some very dark places – and sometimes you won’t even know how you
got there. Reality has never felt as fragile as it does in these eighteen
stories and Frank Duffy’s elegant prose creates a palpable sense of unease. The
tales which unfold here do precisely what good horror writing should – unnerve
and unsettle the reader. It’s a collection I recommend thoroughly.